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The Truth Be Told: Some Observations and Thoughts I Want to Share

Albert Johnson

Being in the Insurance and Investment space, we have the privilege of working with a wide variety of clients. Over the years, we have noticed a few recurring themes—decisions that seem skewed and priorities that are misaligned. Here are some financial observations that could help you . Here are some thoughts I’d like to share, not just as a professional but as someone who genuinely wants to see people build healthier financial futures. I'm going to theme these posts "The Truth be Told" and they will come out periodically when there are things I want to help people with.



man and women on the patio

Skewed Priorities


It’s baffling how often people plunge into debt for luxury items—a new BMW, an extravagant holiday, or a high-end home—without fully understanding if they can actually afford it. It seems that the excitement of the purchase often outweighs the logical step of assessing their budgets. Emphasis on excitement. If only the same excitement is there around healthy savings habits.

What’s even more surprising is that when we discuss their lack of savings or inadequate investment portfolios, the conversation is quickly shelved, with financial planning postponed for "the future." But why? Shouldn’t securing your financial future come before any luxury?



group taking a selfie

The Picture-Perfect Life


They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but in reality, it costs thousands of rands. And here's the kicker: if you can afford it, then by all means, go for it! But if you’re running up your credit card just to keep up with the image of a perfect life, you need to ask yourself, "Is it really worth it?" Society pushes us to live, look, and act a certain way. There’s no shame in enjoying life’s luxuries, but only when you’ve laid the foundation—having sufficient savings, investments, and a balanced financial plan. That’s real freedom.



bmw interior

The Luxury Car Trap

We live in an era where marketers no longer sell products—they sell feelings. Luxury cars, designer clothes, even where you buy your groceries, it’s all wrapped up in a lifestyle message. Social media amplifies this by making us believe we need to "post" everything to feel validated, successful, or admired. But here’s the flip side: buyer’s remorse. The excitement fades, and you’re left with an expensive car, high insurance, and a hefty fuel bill.


Your Personal Balance Sheet

Every one of us has a balance sheet—whether we like it or not. Think of your finances like a business. Would you invest in assets that lose value? No. The same applies to your personal finances. Debt doesn’t add value, it takes away from it. Instead, focus on acquiring appreciating assets—property, investments, savings—and watch your wealth grow over time. Remember, the key to a strong financial future lies in a simple truth: Save today, and you’ll thank yourself tomorrow.



rock pile on a beach

Key Takeaways


  1. Look After Yourself – Feed your mind with knowledge, your body with nutritious food, and your soul with quality relationships.

  2. Don’t Chase the ‘Likes’ – Your life’s value isn’t measured by the number of hearts or thumbs on social media. True success and fulfillment come from within.

  3. Invest in Self-Improvement – Be better than you were yesterday. Whether it’s reading a book, learning a new skill, or simply enjoying nature, self-growth is priceless.

  4. Stop Overspending – Know your budget, track your earnings, and accept that sometimes less is more. Understanding this is the first step toward financial freedom.

  5. Save, Save, Save – Your future self will be forever grateful for the financial cushion you build today.

  6. Reflect on Your Relationship with Money – How you were raised around money often influences how you handle it today. Understanding this can help you break unhealthy patterns and improve your financial habits.

  7. Draft your personal balance sheet – its easy to draft one. Write down your assets and their value, and then your liabilities. Then subtract the liabilities from the assets and get your nett asset value. This will give you some food for thought, like if your decisions have been good or not.


If you have found value in this article, and know of someone who can benefit from this, forward it to a friend. Lets empower each other to create better habits.







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